Juventus loanee Mario Lemina has announced that he is to play international football for Gabon.

The former France Under-20 World Cup winner had turned down a recent call-up to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad in hopes that the French senior side would select him in the future.

Lemina, who has now decided to pledge his international future to the country of his birth, told RMC about his delight in choosing the Panthers.

The 22-year-old said: "I chose Gabon, and I am very happy about it, I have signed all the important papers and agreed with the federation.

"I am waiting for my first game with the national team, which had to be postponed as I was in the process of moving to Juventus. They understood, and I hope I will be able to play in Gabon's next match."

Lemina joined the Serie A champions from Marseille during the transfer window on a season-long loan with an option to purchase the midfielder next summer.